The TPIC71008 is an eight channel squib driver for airbags deployment in automotive applications. Each channel consists of a high side and low side switch with independent control logic for protection against inadvertent deployment. Both the high and the low side switches have internal current limit and over-temperature protection.

The IC registers are used for eight channel configuration, control and status monitoring. To prevent inadvertent deployment, the high and the low side switches are turned on only if the proper configuration sequence is used, two independent arming/safing inputs are active and multiple inputs to the deploy controller logic are at the correct level. The registers are programmed using a serial communications interface.

To prevent excessive power dissipation the maximum active ON time for each channel is limited by programmable Firing Time Out Timer. In addition, a current limit register is used to program the maximum current through the switches during a deployment. The current limitation on the low side switch is larger than the corresponding current limitation on the high side switch. During deployment, the low side switch is fully enhanced and operates with RDS_ON mode, while the high side switch is in current regulation mode.Read more